London mayor's fraud case adjourned to February

London Mayor Joe Fontana listens to a matter during a council meeting in London, Ont., on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. (The Canadian Press/Dave Chidley)

The Canadian Press
Published Tuesday, January 8, 2013 5:31AM EST
Last Updated Tuesday, January 8, 2013 12:58PM EST

LONDON, Ont. -- The criminal case against the mayor of London, Ont., stemming from his time as a Liberal member of Parliament, has been put over until Feb. 26.

A member of Joe Fontana's legal team made a brief appearance on his behalf Tuesday and asked for the case to be adjourned while the Crown gives the defence disclosure.

Fontana faces charges of fraud under $5,000, breach of trust by a public official and uttering forged documents.

Police say the value of the alleged fraud is $1,700, and the London Free Press has reported that a Government of Canada cheque for that amount was given to a London club to cover a deposit for the wedding reception for Fontana's son in 2005.

Fontana has denied any wrongdoing and refused to step down as mayor while the charges are pending.